Page 49 of Caught in Us
“Damn,” Simon says, leaning against the open doorway to my bedroom. He sets Matthew down, and looks up and down my body in a long perusal. “Hot mum alert.”
“Stop.” I roll my eyes and fiddle with the strap of my dress before turning to check my reflection in the full-length mirror. Okay, he’s got a point. I have to admit I feel good in this little black dress, even if my body isn’t what it used to be. Thanks to the constricting shapewear, my curves are contoured to perfection.
“Oh, come on.” Simon catches my stare in the mirror’s reflection. “You know you look amazing.”
“Makeup does wonders for the permanent circles under my eyes.” I pick up my clutch and add my ID, credit cards, and cash.
“Is there a reason you didn’t sleep well? Because I noticed how you snuck out for a little bit last night.” He waggles his brows suggestively. “Is there something you want to confess, Miss Martin?”
I wish. “Believe me, it was nothing good.”
“Then you deserve a night out.” He sits on the floor next to Matthew.
“I don’t have to go.” Guilt presses on my already rattled nerves when I consider how many times I’ve left Simon to take care of Matthew in the past few days. “You probably are dying for a night off.”
“Alicia. I came here to watch Matthew and help run interference. I don’t expect nights off. Besides, what would I do?” He chuckles. “Where would I even go? I don’t know anyone other than you.”
I feel worse. Simon might not have a problem with it, but I should have taken a few days this week to show him around. Virginia is a beautiful state and instead he’s been on full-time sitter mode. “After the wedding we’ll do some sightseeing.”
“Lovely.”
“Okay, then. I should probably get going.” I walk over to Matty and press a kiss to the top of his head. “Bye, sweet boy. Have fun with Simon.” I smile when he barely acknowledges my departure, more focused on his toys.
“Have fun tonight.” Simon smiles.
“Fun? What’s that?” I let loose a shaky laugh and slide my feet into a pair of heels. The anxiety that’s been haunting me all day flares up. “Jesus.” I shake out my hands trying to rid my body of the tension. “Why am I so nervous?”
“Maybe you’re allergic to fun?”
I shoot Simon a glare.
He holds up his hands. “Hey, just saying.”
I take one of the throw pillows from my bed and chuck it at him.
He catches it, laughing. “Don’t overthink this. They’re your friends, right? Maybe tonight’s exactly what you all need.”
God, I hope he’s right.
* * *
“Alicia!”Callie shouts when I enter the private room inside the restaurant. She wraps me in a tight hug. “You made it!”
“Am I late?” I say, glancing around. I thought dinner started at six, but maybe I got the time wrong. The room is packed with a dozen women mingling and laughing with drinks in hand.
“Oh, no, you’re good. A few of us decided to meet up for an early happy hour.” Callie winces. “Sorry, I wasn’t sure if I should text you or not.”
“No, it’s fine.” I should be grateful for her consideration. One of the most supportive things Callie and Jill did early in my sobriety was go out of their way to plan outings where we could have fun without alcohol. I think it’s why we didn’t lose touch. At least, until I realized I was pregnant.
“Here. Let me introduce you to everyone!” Callie pulls me into the room to meet all the guests. They’re all friendly, if not a little tipsy. Most are co-workers of Jill’s and a few are wives and girlfriends of Cam’s firefighter buddies. I don’t recognize anyone. It’s another reminder of how long I’ve been away, and how everyone has moved on without me.
“You came!” Jill greets me with an enthusiastic embrace.
“I wouldn’t miss this.” I say as if I wasn’t considering staying home.
She steps back, taking in my appearance. “Fuck.” She shakes her head, blinking back at me. “I still can’t believe you’re here. I wasn’t sure whether you’d bail tonight.”
Her lack of faith stings, even if it is warranted.
